City pools 2 feet deep need fencing

June 23--A swimming pool sure looks tempting on a hot day, but the lure can be deadly for small children.

To protect children, Hazleton requires that a fence enclose all swimming pools 2 feet deep or deeper. The fence must be at least 4 feet tall.

A pool that is at least 18 inches deep must have a ladder that is removable or self-latching

"All codes are oriented to that safety factor," said city Zoning Officer Charles Pedri, who wants to prevent tragedy.

So does the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which says for children 1 to 4, drowning causes one-third of accidental deaths.

For every child who drowns, another five children receive care for near-fatal submersion that half the time requires further care or hospitalization after treatment in an emergency room, the CDC says.

A four-sided fence reduces the risk to children by 83 percent compared to a three-sided fence, the CDC says, while citing a study.

The CDC also suggests that an adult supervisor be close enough to touch children at a pool and recommends removing toys from decks of empty pools to reduce the temptation to children.

Pedri said people can buy pools 2 feet or deeper at department stores but might not realize that they also need a fence.

The city also requires people to apply for $75 zoning permits before installing pools that are 2 feet or deeper.

If the pools go too close to a property line, residents need a variance from the zoning board.

Scheduling a zoning hearing costs $500, and the board can decide to approve or disapprove the request for installing the pool.

"People are going to be buying pools with the Fourth (of July) coming. Before you do, think about it," Pedri said.

-- KENT JACKSON

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